Irish citizenship is to be granted to some 5,200 people at ceremonies today and tomorrow in Co Kerry.

Applicants from 132 countries and across all 32 counties on the island of Ireland will make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State before Presiding Officer Judge Paddy McMahon at the six ceremonies in the INEC in Killarney.

Since the introduction of citizenship ceremonies in 2011, some 222,000 people have received Irish citizenship.

A total of 216 ceremonies have been held over the 14 years, with people from over 180 countries receiving their certificates of naturalisation.

Applicants from India make up over 20% of those attending the latest ceremonies (1,188), followed by applicants from Brazil (572), Romania (462), the United Kingdom (416), Poland (382), Philippines (271), South Africa (199), Pakistan (186), Nigeria (176) and China, including Hong Kong (154).

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said 53% of the applicants (2,785) reside in Co Dublin, followed by 12% (623) in Co Cork, 9% (452) in Co Kildare and 6% (323) in Co Meath, with less than 0.1% (less than five) in counties Fermanagh and Tyrone.

Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy congratulated Ireland's newest citizens, saying migration "has long been woven into the fabric of Ireland’s story with 70 million people worldwide claiming a link to Irish descent".

"I encourage each of our new citizens to not lose the link to their home countries but also to continue to build connections and contribute to Ireland, the place they now call home," he added.

(RTE)

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